Mackenzie Levert spends her entire day with a seven-year-old Deaf-Blind girl, teaching her things like how to get dressed, go to the bathroom
and find her way around the house. More importantly, Levert is bringing communication into this young girl's world where very little existed before
they met six weeks prior.
Levert works as an intervenor for a family with Deaf-Blind triplets. The family's story was featured on an episode of The Dr. Phil Show in which
Levert made a brief appearance. She was introduced by the famous talk show host as the children's intervenor from
"the prestigious George Brown College in Canada and is top-notch in her field."
Levert's specialized skills and years of experience with Deaf-Blind children got her the job with the family who turned to George Brown College
for assistance in finding a qualified intervenor. She was initially hired to work with all three children but now focuses on the one girl who
had very little intervention and knew only a few signs when they met.
In their short time together, this little girl has become more independent, laughs a lot, listens better and is able to communicate using a wider
range of signs, Levert says. The progress they make each day serves as a powerful reminder of why she does what she does.
"I like the variety of languages that we can use and the creativity in coming up with ideas and plans. I also like seeing these kids grow
and the uniqueness of my job," says Levert, who admits she loves talking about her work.
But progress doesn't always come easy. Intervenors require a lot of patience, perseverance and a desire to continue learning and developing professionally,
Levert says. And when things get tough, she turns to the different coping strategies that she learned in school and during her field placements.
Levert says the practical component of George Brown's program was a great benefit because it gave her a chance to figure out her specific interests
and goals. Her placements in schools with younger children solidified her aspirations to work with kids and to be their eyes and ears to the world
as they grow and develop.
"I would definitely recommend the Intervenor program to anybody interested in this field," she says. "The teachers are excellent
and very personable. The small classes allowed us to have one-on-one time with the teachers who were always there to answer questions. Every class
was unique and everything about the program was unique."
Read more stories from George Brown Graduates...
To learn more, visit the George Brown College Alumni page. |
